GEX IC Wannabe

[some_dude]

I've done the contract thing on and off for years. I want to give you the same advice I have someone else on this site yesterday.

Go with the aircraft where you know someone who will use you. Preferably someone who has flown with you in the past. If you don't know anyone, try knocking on doors, but it will be an uphill struggle unless you luck into the right situation.

Either way, find someone who will agree to use you BEFORE you go get the type rating!

EDIT: Incidentally, make sure you get a 135 check when you get the type! This will require you completing indoc for a certificate holder who has that type of aircraft, but it will definitely allow you to get more business.

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my thread.
For the record, I have spent the past 14 months flying corporate both 91 and 135 international (bahamas, carribean, etc.) so I am not totally unfamiliar with the corporate flying world. Also, I do not think the airlines are the ultimate place to be which is why I want to enter the IC business. I think b/c of aircraft I've flown people got the impression I am coming from the airlines, but the SF-340 is a corporate/charter plane that I am flying.

I do uderstand that this is a very difficult task and I have a lot of studying to do, but those that think flying an a/c long haul is as difficult as putting a man on the moon probably have not done this type of flying or are that piss poor of pilots that it is a difficult task for them and yet impossible for them to do it with a low time guy in the second seat. It is these pilots that contractors should avoid.

There seems a mixed reaction to my endeavor, so for those that are trying to help me and I do appreciate it, would it be wiser to look at possibly a Challenger 300 or 604 type instead and then work up to the GEX?

Thanks again for your input!

 

[Cody_V]

What about the full time contract thing? I am not sure if I want to sign on full time w/ a company. A friend of mine does the contract thing full time in an HS-125 and has made a great living by working from company to company. He was the one that suggested I stay w/ Bombarider products since that is what I have prev time in.

 

[Cody_V]

GEX IC replies

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my thread.
For the record, I have spent the past 14 months flying corporate both 91 and 135 international (bahamas, carribean, etc.) so I am not totally unfamiliar with the corporate flying world. Also, I do not think the airlines are the ultimate place to be which is why I want to enter the IC business. I think b/c of aircraft I've flown people got the impression I am coming from the airlines, but the SF-340 is a corporate/charter plane that I am flying.

I do uderstand that this is a very difficult task and I have a lot of studying to do, but those that think flying an a/c long haul is as difficult as putting a man on the moon probably have not done this type of flying or are that piss poor of pilots that it is a difficult task for them and yet impossible for them to do it with a low time guy in the second seat. It is these pilots that contractors should avoid.

There seems a mixed reaction to my endeavor, so for those that are trying to help me and I do appreciate it, would it be wiser to look at possibly a Challenger 300 or 604 type instead and then work up to the GEX?

Thanks again for your input!

 

[Shamus]

I have spent the past 14 months flying corporate both 91 and 135 international (bahamas, carribean, etc.)

Wait, for a second, I really thought you were serious about calling flights to the Bahamas "international". I should stop right now before I get started, enough guys have already given it to you raw already.

 

[AA717driver]

I'd love to respond but I'm busy planning my mission to Mars... TC

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I'd love to respond but I'm busy planning my mission to Mars... TC

Mars...Mumbai.....same $hit.



gotta love those "International" trips to Nassau, huh?



sometimes I do miss those.

 

[skiandsurf]

Mars...Mumbai.....same $hit.


gotta love those "International" trips to Nassau, huh?


sometimes I do miss those.

You know the best part about Miami???..........

Its so close to the U.S.

 

[AA717driver]

...gotta love those "International" trips to Nassau, huh?

Yeah, if you go low enough, you get to a point where you can't see any land!

It gets REALLY dark out there sometimes... TC

P.S.--Hey, Mumbai is really nice--long as you don't go outside the fence at the JW.

 

[imotis]

Bahamas = Detroit with palm trees.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Bahamas = Detroit with palm trees.

never heard that..but man is that pretty accurate!

(at least for the tourist spots)

 

[FlyFlyFly]

I encourage you to go get your GEX type and give it a go. All of these guys that want to discourage you are just afraid you are wasting your money. I think it is a great idea. Most corporate operations are always looking for fresh ideas from newly typed pilots, and I am sure all of your CL65 experience is what they are looking for.

When you think of the thousands and thousands you will make as an International Contract pilot, the type rating is really cheap, so go for it!

Keep us informed on how it turns out!

 

[Cody_V]

Thanks

 

[Cody_V]

I must have shattered the fragile egos of those big time corp pilots. I suppose it is impossible for a meer mortal such as myself to ever develop the skills neccesary to fly long haul international.

Come on now, comparing Nassau to Detroit?! Don't insult Nassau like that.

I suppose that you long haul guys posting neg replies never were domestic or even student pilots at some point in your life. You are probably just that good that you jumped right into the left seat of some jet, born w/ the knowledge and skills to fly half way around the world.

We have to help each other out in this industry. As pilots it is up to us to support each other and improve our profession. If we don't have each others back, I guarantee no one else will.

 

[AA717driver]

Cody--You're missing my point entirely. No one said you cannot do the international corporate job. It's just very difficult to get a type, have no experience in the plane and jump into a $1200-$1500/day contract gig. If you charge less than that, you will be screwing the other contract guys out there and will do yourself no favors in the long run.

The advice from those who have the experience is to set your sights a little lower initially--so YOU won't get burned and end up spending $50k for a type and a phone that doesn't ring.

But, go ahead and go for it. Good luck.TC

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I must have shattered the fragile egos of those big time corp pilots. I suppose it is impossible for a meer mortal such as myself to ever develop the skills neccesary to fly long haul international.

Come on now, comparing Nassau to Detroit?! Don't insult Nassau like that.

I suppose that you long haul guys posting neg replies never were domestic or even student pilots at some point in your life. You are probably just that good that you jumped right into the left seat of some jet, born w/ the knowledge and skills to fly half way around the world.

We have to help each other out in this industry. As pilots it is up to us to support each other and improve our profession. If we don't have each others back, I guarantee no one else will.

nah, you didnt shatter any egos, but you sure are making an a$$ of yourself.

 

[grandma]

you have not the faintest capability to to Captain a large corporate jet across oceans and continents. It is a set of both personal and proffessional skills you don't possess if you are asking for advice on this medium. .

you stutter and spell funny

 

[banned username 2]

Cody--You're missing my point entirely. No one said you cannot do the international corporate job. It's just very difficult to get a type, have no experience in the plane and jump into a $1200-$1500/day contract gig.

EXACTLY!

 

[Shamus]

nah, you didnt shatter any egos, but you sure are making an a$$ of yourself.

LOL!!!!!!

 

[skiandsurf]

Cody,
Have you priced the type rating. I think that Bombardier will give you a discount on a Challenger type rating. Do they do the same for a GLEX type?

 

[Cody_V]

Yes they do, GEX=37000 initial, 25000 recurrent / 604=33000 initial, 18000 recurrent.